MSC Cancels Kia Ora Charter After AMSA Findings Emerge

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), a former charterer of MSC Kia Ora that was recently banned from Australian ports, said “the vessel was hired off immediately upon MSC becoming aware of the AMSA findings.”

MSC pointed out that it “does not oversee the maintenance, or the workforce, of the chartered vessel Kia Ora.”

The company added that AMSA’s investigation about crew wages is directed to the owner of the vessel.

Earlier this month, the Liberian-flagged containership was banned from accessing Australian ports for a period of three months.

This was a result of the inspection which revealed that Germany-based Vega-Reederei, the ship’s owner, failed to ensure that crew were paid their wages in full and on time, and that critical equipment was maintained.